Lagotek lets you control all the comforts of home

What it does: The Bellevue company was founded in July by four former Microsoft employees to develop and sell home-automation systems.

It is working on a wireless software-based system that would allow homeowners to control entertainment devices, heating, security, lighting and irrigation.

Who started it: At Microsoft, the founders worked on user interface design, server components and hardware development. They are Eugene Luskin, chief executive officer; Lev Tcherkachine, chief technology officer; David Kizhnerman, chief software architect; and Alex Grach, vice president of platform development. Ron Risdon was hired as president a year ago to help start the company.

The specs: The system uses a control pad that can be preset for situations such as "good night," "wake-up," or "dinner party," which would automatically adjust temperature, lighting and music settings according to preferences.

Big brother?: Risdon said the system works like a new BMW.

There's a lot of complexity, but the homeowner shouldn't notice it.

"Everyone likes more comfort and convenience, and we want to say, 'By the way, that was a computer system you were using,' " he said. "We are trying to mask the frailties that are part of the computer world."

Customers: Risdon said the company has commitments for more than 100 homes already and plans to start installing the first systems in February.

Price: An $8,500 fee covers two controllers, air-duct dampers (which control heating levels in each room), a sound bridge to play music from a stereo, a pair of security cameras, a media server and installation.

Details: The eight-person company has raised $2 million from angel investors.

In June, the company expects to seek $3 million to $5 million for expansion.